ARRIVAL OF TAWHIAO AND 600 FOLLOWERS AT ALEXANDRA. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Alexandra, Last Night.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1408, 12 July 1881, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF TAWHIAO AND 600 FOLLOWERS AT ALEXANDRA. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Alexandra, Last Night.

This has been a great clay for Alexandra and the whole colony at large. Tawhiao, who has been waiting for the arrival of Major Mair to pay his visit to the Waikato settlements, arrived here at three o'clock this afternoon with at least 600 followers, including the chiefs Wahanui and Manuhiri, who now, for the first time since the war, have visited the Europeans. Although somewhat astonished at the number of the visitors, it was determined to give the King a friendly welcome, and accordingly our Brass Band met them at the bridge, playing them, to the air, " For he's a jolly good fellow," to the township, where the party were received with cheers by our townsfolk and others. At the Alexandra Hotel Major Mair, accompanied by Major Jackson received Tawhiao and the principal chiefs. After a short conversation Tawhiao came out of the hotel with Major Mair, into the road, and saying, "you will please stand back," laid his double-barrelled gun in the road. At this signal 80 other guns and revolvers were brought forward by the party and laid side by side. Wahanui then came forward, and pointed to the guns, saying, "Do you know what that means ?" Major Mair : Speak. Wahanui : This is the result of what Tawhiao said to you ; that there would be no more trouble. It means peace. Major Mair: It is ulenr. I made out the words that Tawhiao uttered at Kopua that there should be no more fighting. This is the day we have all been looking for. We know now that there will not be any more trouble : that has all passed away, and good days are in store for us all. So great and unlooked for a surprise was most gratifying to all present, as it will doubtless be to the rest of the colony. Tawhiao and party, who brought their own provisions with them, remain here tonight, and possibly to-morrow. There is great rejoicing here. Tawhiao is walking about doing the amiable to all. He is much liked.